Myelitis (Spinal Cord Inflammation)

DC 8011Neurological38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8011

Inflammation of the spinal cord that can cause weakness, numbness, pain, and bladder or bowel dysfunction below the level of the inflammation. Myelitis can result from infections, autoimmune conditions, or as a complication of vaccination. The VA rates myelitis based on the severity of residual disabilities, with a minimum 10% rating.

How the VA rates this condition

The VA rates this condition based on how much it affects your ability to work and carry out daily activities. The examiner will focus on the functional limitations your condition causes, not just the diagnosis itself.

Diagnostic code

DC 8011

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating criteria are defined in 38 CFR 4.124a, DC 8011. This guide presents a plain-language summary and is not a substitute for the full regulatory text. Always consult a VSO or VA-accredited attorney for case-specific advice.

Rating Levels

You have total impairment from myelitis — complete paralysis below the level of the spinal cord inflammation, loss of bladder and bowel control, and complete dependence on others for care.

What the VA looks for

Complete paralysis (paraplegia or quadriplegia) below lesion level
Total loss of bladder and bowel control
Complete sensory loss below the level of the lesion
Requires constant care for all activities of daily living
Documented need for aid and attendance

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting spinal cord MRI — imaging showing the spinal cord lesion is critical evidence for establishing the diagnosis and severity of myelitis.
⚠Not filing for each residual separately — myelitis can cause leg weakness (rated under nerve paralysis codes), bladder dysfunction (rated under genitourinary), bowel dysfunction (rated under digestive), and neuropathic pain, each warranting separate evaluation.
⚠Not documenting the service-connected cause — myelitis can result from infections acquired during service, vaccination reactions, or autoimmune conditions triggered by service exposures.
⚠Not requesting urodynamic testing if you have bladder symptoms — neurogenic bladder from myelitis can be rated separately and significantly increases your combined rating.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Central Nervous System and Neuromuscular Diseases

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…

Myelitis (Spinal Cord Inflammation)

How the VA rates this condition

Diagnostic code

DC 8011

Rating range

10% – 100%

Rating levels

Rating Levels

You have total impairment from myelitis — complete paralysis below the level of the spinal cord inflammation, loss of bladder and bowel control, and complete dependence on others for care.

What the VA looks for

Complete paralysis (paraplegia or quadriplegia) below lesion level
Total loss of bladder and bowel control
Complete sensory loss below the level of the lesion
Requires constant care for all activities of daily living
Documented need for aid and attendance

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not getting spinal cord MRI — imaging showing the spinal cord lesion is critical evidence for establishing the diagnosis and severity of myelitis.

⚠Not filing for each residual separately — myelitis can cause leg weakness (rated under nerve paralysis codes), bladder dysfunction (rated under genitourinary), bowel dysfunction (rated under digestive), and neuropathic pain, each warranting separate evaluation.

⚠Not documenting the service-connected cause — myelitis can result from infections acquired during service, vaccination reactions, or autoimmune conditions triggered by service exposures.

⚠Not requesting urodynamic testing if you have bladder symptoms — neurogenic bladder from myelitis can be rated separately and significantly increases your combined rating.